Two Thirds Say Gambling Advertising is 'all Over ´, Charity Finds
Almost two thirds of people say that gambling advertising is "everywhere" as a charity required a nationwide discussion to help those suffering damage.
GambleAware urged people to "open" after a study recommended 67% of the general public believe there is still stigma around betting harms, and alerted that anybody could be at risk - including children.
It revealed a setup unveiled at Westfield London featuring 85,000 poker one for each kid aged 11-17 in Britain currently experiencing betting harm.
A study for the charity found that 31% of individuals recalled seeing their first betting advert before the age of 17, and 62% saying that betting advertising is "everywhere".
It's important that those experiencing gambling harm know that support is readily available without judgment
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide
The charity, along with partners Nationwide, the Football Supporters' Association, the National Gambling Support Network and 20 more nationwide organisations, is calling for a nationwide discussion to minimize the stigma around gambling harm that is holding people back from looking for aid.
Research from the charity has found that more than a quarter (28%) of those who experience issues with gambling conceal their activities from their household and buddies, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most serious harm do not seek assistance due to feelings of pity or embarrassment.
The campaign seeks to take on the preconception connected with hazardous betting (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Zoe Osmond, president of GambleAware, stated: "Now is the time to have a nationwide discussion about betting harm. Only by motivating an open discussion can we empower people to seek the support they require without judgment.
"Our everyday lives are inundated with betting advertising and marketing, normalising what is a dangerous activity which can have a big negative effect on individuals's lives, even children. This setup representing the 85,000 children affected aims to shine a light on this pushing issue and motivate meaningful discussion."
GambleAware is requiring more stringent limitations on gambling marketing, stating the addictive nature of gaming items and advertising combined with the universality of betting marketing suggested anybody could be at threat of harm.
Gambling harm preconception can avoid individuals from opening up about gambling and looking for the support they need.
As Maia states, you don't need to manage gambling damages on your own. It can cause additional pressure on yourself and your liked ones.
Let's open about gaming. pic.twitter.com/cctwPpRBXJ
- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of client vulnerability, stated: "While gaming can be a pleasurable activity for many, extreme or issue betting can have negative effects.
"It is very important that those experiencing gaming damage know that assistance is offered without judgment, which is why we support GambleAware's ongoing Stigma avoidance project.
"We have actually worked difficult to better equip our associates to support clients and made a mindful decision to offer a gaming block with a 72-hour cooling off period to help individuals make choices that are ideal for them.
"However, greater cooperation among industry, government and charities is important to genuinely take on monetary damage caused by excessive or issue betting."
According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular forms of wagering by kids are legal game games like penny-pusher and claw-grab devices, bets in between friends or family, and playing cards for money - not with BGC members
Betting and Gaming Council
Minister for gambling Baroness Twycross said: "The preconception surrounding hazardous gaming can prevent those in requirement from looking for crucial assistance, so we invite this essential campaign from GambleAware.
"We have actually now presented a statutory levy on gambling earnings which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to money research study, avoidance and treatment, more motivating the general public discussion around betting damage.
"While the majority of people bet securely, we acknowledge the impact hazardous gaming can have. That is why we are more enhancing defenses for those at threat, implementing a stake limit on online slots and stricter guidelines on gaming marketing."
A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spokesman said: "BGC members take a zero tolerance technique to betting by kids.
"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular kinds of wagering by kids are legal game video games like penny-pusher and claw-grab devices, bets between friends or family, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members.
"Advertising must abide by rigorous standards and much safer betting messaging, which promotes more secure gaming tools and signposts assist to those worried about their betting, is regularly and prominently displayed.
"The 2022 Youth and Gambling Survey found that the National Lottery was the most identified betting brand among 11 to 16-year-olds."
"BGC members and certified operators have willingly contributed over ₤ 170m over the last four years to tackle issue betting and gambling related damage, by means of a voluntary levy system, including ₤ 50m in 2024, funding an independent network of charities presently taking care of 85 per cent of all problem bettors getting treatment in Britain.
"This cash is designated separately of market, most of which is managed by the independent charity GambleAware."
GambleAware is advising anyone who is concerned about how betting makes them feel to search its website for advice, tools and support.
Anyone worried about their gaming or someone else's can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 free of charge, private guidance, tools, and support.
YouGov surveyed 3,058 grownups and 750 people who bet in between February 13 and 26.